Apostles
"For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel" (1 Corinthians 4:15).
I think if Paul were writing this letter on his MacBook Pro from the local Starbuck's in the year 2008, instead of way back when, he would write something like: "You have pastors, authors, coaches, evangelists-a-million, but you are scary-short on apostles..."
Where are all the apostles?
I find myself missing them more and more lately. Which is interesting because I'm not even sure what I'm missing. What is it I want an apostle to do for me? It seems like there must be something. Is there anyone in the Church today that has the authority to say the kinds of things that Paul did? We're drowning in opinions and strategies and "movements" and "we just need to get back tos." But we don't seem to have anyone that can stand up and say, "I'm an apostle by the will of God. All this nonsense has to stop because it's divisive and it's fruitless. And whoever disagrees with me, let's just see which of us God's power stands behind!"
I was talking to a friend and mentor about this recently and we both came to the realization that the scant-few apostles we've known were wild, beast-men who commanded respect but would also sit and have a coffee with you and would remember your wife's name. We also remembered that they all seemed to pay a huge physical price for that place in the kingdom. Peter was crucified upside down. His brother Andrew was nailed to an "X-Shaped" cross. If I recall my church history correctly, Philip died by hanging. We think John was boiled in oil - he might have survived that. Which is worse, dying in boiling oil or living after you've been boiled? And Paul, just read 2 Corinthians 11 for a taste of what he went through. We know he spent years in prison (think medieval dungeon) and was ultimately executed.
Is this what it takes to walk on the waves and raise the dead?
I'm not even really trying to "go anywhere" with this at the moment. Just pondering. What would an apostle look like today? What would he say to this Church?
Scott Bane
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Yeah, I've noticed that most pastors/evangelists/teachers prefer to be called "Dr." these days, but not many want to be "apostles." I think it is a sobering and serious mission to be called by God as an apostle. Think about it: Jesus said, "Come, follow me," and THEY LEFT ALL AND FOLLOWED HIM. Not too many are willing to "LEAVE ALL" from what I've seen. I'm wondering if it doesn't go back to Paul's calling himself a "father." And he said there weren't many of them, didn't he?
If we're looking for an apostle, maybe we should see who is acting like "father" and "leaving all" for the sake of training up his "children" in the way that they should go. What do you think?
Scott, when you figure out the whole apostle thing, can you continue on and explain what is and where are prophets? :-) They must be something more than visiting preachers who make a whole pew row of people stand up together and give all of them the same "prophesy" that some great business deal is going to pay off this week (or something to that effect). Can you think of anyone who you would truly consider an apostle, or a prophet? I think fundamentalists say they don't exist anymore...do they? If they do, they are probably scary-short in North America!
As I read your latest entry the story of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead comes to mind. I'm always gripped by Jesus' words, "I say these things for your sake not mine because I know my Father hears my prayers." Jesus spoke with absolute authority and power followed. Paul spoke with authority as well. He didn't need a certificate like some saying he was an apostle. The proof, or authority, was in the pudding when he would show up on the scene and God's power was manifested. He feared God not men.
For whatever reason, men seem to fear men all too often and at that point I wonder if any real authority one might have is lost?
But man, what a longing of my own heart - Lord give us a Paul!
What is the difference though between 10,000 instructors and a father? Or 10,000 pastors and prophets and evangelists and a father? I only have one thought right now and that is that good fathers have no vested interest in anything other than loving their children and seeing them succeed. But even pastors and prophets seem to have extra motivations, whether good or bad. Is that lack of selfish motive the key to being a father versus being just another of one the 10,000? I wonder.
Great thoughts, guys. I don't even think I really know what an apostle is, as far as having a "definition". I do know what a father is, and I know that is what I want. For me, Pator Scott, you were the closest thing to that, spiritually speaking. You taught us, you hung out with us, you encouraged us, and when needed, you corrected us. But, it wasn't from afar, you shared your life with us. Your struggles and things you and Sheryl were going through. You were real. Isn't that what fathers do? They aren't perfect, but they are there. We know our earthly fathers are not perfect, so why do so many people in leadership positions pretend everything is perfect, or at least make it appear so?
I gotta tell you, I'm about ready to take you and Dan off my blog roll! I know you are legitimately busy, but come on, I saw the pictures from the beach.
Lisa,
Does this mean you think he should have been at home posting on his blog rather than spending the day with his family at the beach?! Do you mean that because he had time to take his in-laws (who came from across the country to help with the birth of our 4th child) to the beach then surely he should have time to post on his blog?
Scott,
I think you are becoming the man you are looking for. I love you!
No Sheryl,
I'm just giving him a hard time. I miss hearing about the things he's doing and learning in the process of this church plant. I would never expect him to give up time with his family to blog. Sorry, I guess a joking "voice" can't be heard on a blog. Or, maybe he has changed, and he doesn't joke around like he used to. Sorry if I offended. That was not my intention.
Lisa
Well, let's face it... it has been a ridiculously long time since I've written anything up here :-)
Jerks
Mike, are you calling me a jerk?!? Just wait until I see you next time. And see if I invite you to our next card party. No Mao for you. Again, I'm just kidding!!
Congratulations on your baby girl, Scott!!! She is amazing.
I only just found this, having followed a link on Charlie Wear's blog.
In some circles, you'll find "apostles" a-plenty. I don't think very many of them would have the adacity to actually say, (quoting your post) "...All this nonsense has to stop because it's divisive and it's fruitless. And whoever disagrees with me, let's just see which of us God's power stands behind!"
I'd say that if someone suddenly felt the boldness to procaim that, and it actually worked, that would be the sign of a true prophet.