Day 66/365- Numbers 23:12

"The Pulpit is not a Weapon, the Word is"

But Balaam replied, "I will speak only the message that the Lord puts in my mouth." (Numbers 23:12 NLT)

Balaam is "hired" by Balak to curse God's people. Even in the face of great wealth that could be gained he says only what the Lord has given him to say. Even in the face of dire consequences, possibly even the loss of his life, he only says what the Lord has given him to say. No more, no less. Just what is in God's heart for him to say.

We need more Christians & especially more pastors like this. The Bible must be interpreted so this question comes a little loaded, but what if pastors only taught what the Word of God said? What if they only said the inspired, written Word & explained that to the best of their ability? Forget opinion, interests, & bias, I'm talking just the Word that God has placed in their mouths.

I've learned in the short time that I have been a pastor that the pulpit can easily become a weapon. I'm not sure God ever intended for it to be this way. The pulpit is not a weapon but the Word of God is. The pulpit is not a place where pastors are supposed to settle the score with church members, lost people, or anyone else for that matter. I'm not saying pastors should never preach to the needs, attitudes, & happenings of his congregation. He should. But, if the pastor would but preach through the Word of God, wouldn't God speak & meet the people where they are much better than a pastor can discern? What will a pastor say to the 15 year old boy struggling with an addiction to pornography? More than the word? What will a pastor say to the woman whose marriage is falling apart or the hurting parents with a rebellious teen or a grieving family? More than the Word? Can he address all of these at once with great clarity? No! But the Holy Spirit through the Word of God can.

I'm convinced that my own ministry & the ministry of many others would be infinitely more fruitful if we could but concentrate all of our efforts on preaching the Word & leaving the rest to God!