Signposts to heaven?
John 14:6
We all know the importance of signage. Some signs do not have words just an image that makes the person seeing the sign take precautions or behave in a certain preferred way. On major highways , you find many signs indicating important turns that should be taken in case one wants to reach a certain destination. Missing the sign, missing the turn can have very expensive consequences not only in terms of time, resources, safety and sanity.
Why are the signs there? Why put the markers there? The main reason is to prevent accidents and to prevent others from making mistakes that those who passed that route before made. Remember , that for the signs to be put, some kind of effort and even lobbying had to be put in place , because something had happened there and so the sign is put as a kind of warning or as a kind of direction pointing.
In many ways, religious leaders and institutions are like signposts or markers. They point to a certain destinations.
In my case, for clarity let me talk about the Christian faith. In our case , we have shepherds branded as Pastors, Servant of GOD, ministers, Evangelists, Overseers, Bishops. There are many titles. Each leader is a marker, a road sign to a particular place.
So, why did GOD put leaders among us and over us? A few reasons, definitely not an exhaustive list.
i) To show us JESUS CHRIST , The WAY, The TRUTH and The LIFE. It is fairly common to see ministries telling us “We preach the gospel of JESUS CHRIST unadulterated” “We preach CHRIST crucified and risen and coming again” We need to see more of The NAME of JESUS everywhere. Sweetest NAME of all. Lets make the songs we mournfully sing with the theme of “Less of me and more of YOU” a reality. After all, who are you kidding, JESUS knows if you mean “ more of me and add me even more”
ii.) To give direction and guidance to children of GOD based on HIM, HIS Word and HIS principles
iii). To minister to children of GOD with wisdom, knowledge and understanding.
Certainly, the job description does not contain sheep butchering, sheep milking, sheep abuse, self glorification, witchcraft, scripture manipulation and being doubleminded to name a few.
Question is , “ Where are you going?” “ Is your shepherd leading you there?” " Pastor, where are you leading the sheep of CHRIST to?
Here are a few observations made about signs, road markers on one hand and Pastors and Christian institutions on the other. I will focus on Pastors and Servants of GOD in the vineyard of our LORD JESUS CHRIST.
1. Most road signs are very clear. They are put in clear places and designed in such a way that they will be noticed and placed where they are visible and useful. Pastor, you are like that. Churches are not hidden. Most churches and ministries are very public and visible. Where they are going is clear and everyone will tell you," that is where the JESUS people meet." I hope you are like that Pastor. If you are, all glory to GOD. That is if you are clear that you are serving JESUS. The way the public describes your ministry, church or establishment can give you some insights. I have heard of churches being described as rich man's church, illuminati church, old mamas church, old time churches, real church, fake church etc. There maybe nothing you can do about this, but is there? I suggest you go and start by asking JESUS if HE called you and if HE knows about your church and what you should do next. HE will answer. Do what HE tells you even if it is two years in Arabia. It will benefit you. Trust HIM.
2. Some road signs are dilapidated, broken down and cannot show direction or give warning. Such signs are brought down and or replaced by other signs that serve their purpose. Pastor, it is clear, if you are not shining , if you are not clear, you will be replaced.
There is a scripture that says “ the harvest is plenty and the laborers are few” and that The OWNER of the Harvest should send more workers. Note the following:
i.) The harvest is the children of GOD.
ii.) At times past, few laborers are recorded over a period of time, with a significant person mentioned in the scripture . We have the judges. We have Moses and Aaron, then Joshua, then the judges. Samuel. Even our LORD, operated with HIMSELF, and then twelve and then seventy two and here we are. Pastor, do not ever make the mistake of thinking GOD , the OWNER of the Vineyard cannot replace you. OR that HE is desperate for workers. Didn’t HE come HIMSELF to the baptism of JESUS and say HE is HIS SON? Didn’t HE use a donkey to talk to Balaam? Didn’t HE HIMSELF come and talk to Elijah? Does HE not talk to many people nowadays ? They will tell you what HE said. Your problem is that you think they are crazy. GOD speaks and HIS sheep know HIS voice. Keep joking, you will be replaced, quietly but surely.
Pastor, Servant of GOD, worker in the Vineyard, it is a great privilege and honor to be used by GOD. It is an honor that HE chooses to use vessels such as us and not angels or puppets. So, do not undermine The KING and bring glory to yourself. Do not think that without you , HE can't. You will reap the consequences. Don't say I never warned you.
3. Some road signs are confusing . If it is not clear whether a sign post is pointing to the North or South at the same time. At the complaints raised by a concerned resident, user or a busybody with a bone to pick, the sign will be “attended to”. In this end time, we have Pastors who are sending mixed signals, eg a Pastor of a gay church ( ha ha ha) what is this? Pastors permitting tattoos and cremation? As surely, as confusing signs are removed mostly at night when no one is watching, so will such be removed from the vineyard of The LORD.
4. Some road signs are fancy and beautiful but serve no purpose. Some are there for historic value and preserved as historic sites because they were made a long time ago. Museum antiques. Such signs have no use and are just there for familiarity and beautification. Some pastors are like that, maybe they inherited the title, or maybe they are recognized by the establishment. They are just there to be looked at. White washed graves full of dead men’s bones.
5. Some road signs and markers are placed so high up on the road. You may not see them but if you look you will see them without much strain strain. This is usually to make way for trucks or other large vehicles that may bring down the post. Such signs are legible but inaccessible unless you use heavy machinery. Some Pastors, we see you but we can never get past your security or protocol and talk to you even if we were Nicodemus or Zaccheus? Yes, by all means reach the heavy vehicles and other heavy hitters, but remember the pedestrians, bikes, scooters and tiny cars. Let us see the evidence that they met with you in their actions and in the general community outlook. But also, Beloved signpost, placed so high in society, have like a poor man’s day, where normal, ordinary children of GOD who admire you from afar can sit and have a one on one with you. Ok tell us, what are you hiding? Even JESUS showed us where HE stayed and we know HIS mum. We also know that Elijah lived in a cave and ate locusts. Hey, high and mighty signpost, we want to know you! Otherwise, don’t blame people for coming up with all sorts of stories trying to explain your mystery only for you to threaten us with lawsuits and other heavy handedness. Show us that you eat normal food like bread and fish. This will stop people worshipping you and committing idolatry. But seek The Face of The LORD first. Anyway, you will probably be left up there for all to see because you are legible, have impact and heaven has invested heavily in you and to GOD be all the glory. And deep down, we the normal sheep are glad to have you around, we just do not say it as often as we should. Maybe you should get arrested , so that we gather and pray for you, may foster and display some unity among the brethren if any. I'm just saying, yes, I'm just saying.
6. Some road signs have been covered with foliage, some with graffiti, dirt, bird droppings or other substances. Is this you Pastor? Before, it is too late, call on The LORD, let HIM wash you, clean you up, teach you and place you firmly on the Way before it is too late.
7. Some road signs were carted away mysteriously when no one was looking. Probably, in the dead of night. They were probably left somewhere to gather dust, or were converted to some form of spare part or alternative use. No one went after the signpost, no one noticed their absence and until a concerned resident or busybody raises the alarm, we will never know that the sign is missing. It is highly unlikely that such signs are put back in place. They are usually just ignored because no one noticed them anyway or replaced if need be.
Beloved, a good road sign points directly at JESUS CHRIST who is The WAY, The TRUTH and The LIFE. HE said , “ No man comes to The FATHER but by ME”.
I leave it at that, for now at least.
Beloved, the scripture informs us, "And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:15.
Do you want to know JESUS as your personal Lord and Savior? Your eternity is at stake! JESUS has opened the door of salvation to every person. But there is coming a day when the door will be closed. Today is the day of salvation. Choose to be in the family of GOD. JESUS died so that we can spend eternity in Heaven with HIM. Don't delay! And if you want to begin a relationship with GOD or resume a broken one, say this: O GOD, I come to YOU today. I know I am a sinner. I believe that JESUS died on the cross to save me and HE resurrected on the third day. I repent of my sins and forsake them. I confess JESUS as my LORD and SAVIOR . I invite JESUS into my heart. By this prayer, I know I am saved. Thank YOU JESUS for saving me and making me a child of GOD. Amen
