Lord, Pierce Me with Your Word! - Tracy Tam

​Please imagine, before your pastor begins the sermon, that the brothers and sisters stand together with reverence and humility in their hearts. Together, they proclaim these words of admonition from the Apostle Paul to the pastor:
 
"I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." (2 Timothy 4:1-5)
 
The pastor responds, "Amen." Afterward, the pastor boldly fulfills his prophetic duty by preaching the word of God. According to the truth of the Bible, and addressing the needs of the brothers and sisters, he confronts the currents of worldly temptation, pointing out the confusion and dangers they face. Day by day, can you imagine the impact such a Sunday pulpit will have?
 
Brothers and sisters, what kind of message do you want to hear? How should the pastor preach? This is a spiritual matter, and only a spiritual approach can address it. Therefore, I implore you to continually pray for your pastor before God, asking the Lord to grant him diligence, growth in God's word, patience, and the strength to fulfill his ministry with depth, height, and warmth, shepherding the Lord's flock.
 
Brothers and sisters, what kind of message do you want to hear? How should you listen to the message? This is a spiritual matter, and only a spiritual approach can address it. So, please, always pray earnestly for your own hearts, to receive sharp rebukes, timely warnings, and powerful encouragement. As long as these words are from God's true Word, do not take offense due to personal biases, do not view them as personal attacks driven by selfish desires, and do not turn to empty words.
 
Just as good parents do not take joy in rebuking their children, pastors, too, experience sorrow when delivering stern words. This is often done out of necessity. But as the respected Dr. Timothy Lin once said, "We must speak on the foundation of people's consciences” because we all need to give an account before “Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead.” If our rebukes lack specificity, it's like running aimlessly or shadowboxing, and it's trivial. Rebuking someone out of personal resentment while avoiding direct confrontation but using public channels like social media, magazines, or the pulpit is fundamentally different, and it’s wrong. May the Lord grant us discerning hearts. We do not seek temporary comfort but pray for a clear conscience and unwavering faith to enter His righteous kingdom. We hope that the discomfort caused by stern words will lead to a repentance without regrets, resulting in salvation. Amen.
 
Brothers and sisters, are you willing, through prayers, to respect your pastor's calling and allow him to boldly preach the hard truths?
 
Brothers and sisters, are you willing, through prayers and humility, to prepare your hearts to let God's word prevail in your lives?
 
Lord, pierce me with Your Word. Amen.